Volume 97, Issue 3 2010 Award -Winning Newsletter Summer 2012
In Memoriam Anita Alma Ugarte Dalla July 11, 1921 - July 17, 2012
Anita Dalla, the TAD’s grande dame Cover story, Page 4 Inside This Issue Features
Pages 13-15 An interesting parallel between Harry S. Truman in 1948 and Facebook in 2012! Pages 17-18 A biography on Rudolph Delbert “Rudy” Gamblin, for whom the TSD football field is named after. Pages 18-19 Take a look at the success story of Jason Shaw, the first deaf solar PV panel installer!
Departments
Page 3 Editor’s View Pages 4-5 Obituaries for Anita Alma Ugarte Dalla and Mark Gobble. Page 5 TAD President Larry Dane Evan’s report. Pages 6-8 NAD conference report: Goals for the next 2 years! Page 9 TSD Girls’ 2012 National Track Champions. Page 10 TSD Homecoming flyer. Page 11 National Conference Hispanic Deaf & Hard of Hearing Conference flyer. Pages 11-12 Poetic Silence: Four photos & four mini-poems. Page 13 David Pierce running for Seguin’s city council! Pages 20-21 GURCSW updates. Activities of Travis County deaf senior citizens. Preparation for 83rd Texas Legislative Session. Governor Perry’s Committee on People with Disabilities. Delvin Furlough wins gold in 2012 Deaflympics San Marcos senior citizens news. Pages 24-29 At the NAD conference: Results of the Miss Deaf America Pageant. News from the VRS world from Ed Bosson. Grant Laird at the American Library Association conference in Dallas. Web TV captioning news! Massachusetts ruling on Netflix re captioning. Texas Department of Aging and Disability sued for discrimination. Harris County District Attorney’s sued for disability discrimination. Pages 30-34 Ads section. Page 35 TAD membership form. Page 36 Back cover – TDT ad rates, TSD Ranger Press ad.
2011 - 2013 TAD Board
John Mills [email protected]
2
A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Editor’s View of its own and is harmful to the welfare of By Tim Jaech the deaf community.
[Editor’s note: The opinions and Negative personal opinions of certain ideas stated below are not members in the TAD necessarily endorsed by the TAD board members, and I assume full responsibility for them alone.] There have been people who won’t join the TAD because they don’t like someone who Kudos to all of our new is a member. 2011-2013 TAD members! The list keeps growing. This again is counter-productive. The However, we still need more greater good is to support people that members. the organization will serve by acting as advocates for the deaf community. I perceive a collective change in the thinking of the deaf community regarding membership in Political conservatism in legislatures state associations of the deaf throughout the United States. What if conservative states determine that the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) at Memberships are generally much lower today the federal level is too expensive? than in the past. However, this trend did not start just recently. It has been dwindling There is talk about dismantling Medicare collectively in the U.S. at least during the and Social Security, as we know it. Next previous 25 years. could be the ADA, and that hits home right in our own backyards. Why is this happening? Let’s look at some possibilities. We need funding from memberships to fight such thinking and to protect our civil Apathy in the deaf community rights to be on an equal footing with all citizens in our country. It refers to using the old saying, “Oh, let George do it.” Membership in the TAD is $15/$20 for two years. That is less than the cost of four It’s always easy to think that an organization entrees at McDonalds. doesn’t need you because of the good and loyal old men and women who literally give much Simply said – Join the TAD! – It’s the right of their time to the deaf community year after thing to do. The TAD is our watchdog! If year. not the TAD, then whom? Puns – a challenge for the deaf! It’s dangerous to think this way. [Editor’s note: Puns are words humorously used in The current deaf community is generally less sentences that suggest a different interpretation active today. based on how the word(s) sound. Tough for those who don’t know how words sound!] Lack of time or interest I do not enjoy computer jokes. Not one bit. More families have both parents working or single parents working and raising children. I changed my i Pod name to Titanic. It’s Indeed, that will sap the energy of anyone and syncing now. discourage participating in state association activities. When chemists die, they barium.
Skepticism about the goals of the Jokes about German sausage are the wurst. associations of the deaf A soldier who survived mustard gas and Personally, I’ve had my own frustrations with pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. people who say, “I’m waiting to see what the I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. goals of the TAD are before I join.” He says he can stop any time. This is a dangerous excuse that takes on a life 3 How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it. Summer 2012 Anita Alma Ugarte Dalla her to do so. July 11, 1921 - July 17, 2012 She also served as President of Dallas Auxiliary By Sharon Hovinga #141 of the National Fraternal Society of the Anita Alma Ugarte Dalla became a native Deaf in 1963-1965. In 2005, she became Texan in the border town of Laredo, Texas. a founding member of the Austin Mad Red Born unto Everardo Ugarte and Alma Hatters. Anita was inducted into the Texas Hines Ugarte, Anita descended from a long School for the Deaf Hall of Fame for community lineage of deafness on both the paternal leadership in 2006. and maternal sides of her family. A long-time member of the National Association Anita was preceded in death by her loving of the Deaf and Deaf Seniors of America, Anita husband of thirty-six years, Ray Dalla; her attended numerous conferences related to deaf parents; brother and sister-in-law Everardo organizations. (Lanita Ferrell) Ugarte; and two adopted sons, Joe Julius and Daryl Lee Lucas. Anita's gentle manner, bright smile, inquisitive mind, sharp wit, and lilting laughter will be She leaves to survive, her nephew Rick greatly missed! (Gail) Ugarte and niece Sonia Ugarte (Lew) Ganter; step-children Jimmy (Darlene) Remembrances may be made to the Texas Dalla, Jerry (Nina) Dalla, and Rosemary School for the Deaf Foundation, in honor of Dalla (Ted) Paone, all of Texas; and third the many happy years Anita lived there as a cousin Katie Breedlove (Tim) Johnston of student and where she served as an exceptional Michigan. employee.
As an infant, Anita was featured in a Anita's 91 years of spreading joy was honored national magazine of the deaf, The Silent in A "Celebration of Life Mass" held, September Worker, (June 1922). Following her 8th at St. Ignatius Church in Austin, with Father parents' and brother's footsteps, as well as Tom Coughlin officiating. many other deaf relatives, she attended [Editor’s note: Donna Altuna, Jo Bienvenu, the Texas School for the Deaf, where she Kathryn Caldcleugh, Sharon Hovinga, Joanne became the youngest graduate of the Class McClenaghan (Kathryn’s niece), and Diana of 1939. Poepplemeyer were very helpful during Anita’s After working as a keypunch operator last days.] in Dallas, Anita returned to Austin and the Texas School for the Deaf, where she worked long hours supervising dormitory Mark Gobble 1975-2012 staff and students from 1973-1986, and By Max Bridges for The Daily Texan (Published 6/13/2012) then she retired from the school. Mark Gobble, a 2012 UT alumnus, died in a hit- Anita's father was the City of Laredo Market and-run incident while jogging on a sidewalk Manager and established a business selling near West Slaughter Lane and Vinemont Drive saddlery, harnesses, wagons, and carriages. in southwest Austin on June 10th, 2012. He later purchased a very large downtown building, “La Famosa,” which he rented Gobble, 37, was a husband and father of two out to several tenants. Anita obviously children, a proponent for the deaf community, inherited some of his business sense, as a UT PhD candidate, a teacher, a motivator and she was co-owner of the Roundup Drive-In an avid skater and the founder of the skate on Barton Springs Road in Austin. shop Mark Skateboards.
Anita has certainly "hung her bright and “We will treasure our time with Mark, the shining star" on the great state of Texas. teacher, mentor and leader and his role as Joining immediately upon graduating high middle school social studies teacher and school, she remained an active member of associate and high school principal,” said Claire the Texas Association of the Deaf for 70+ Bugen, superintendant at Texas School for the years. She attended all TAD conventions, Deaf. “His passion for new knowledge is what 4 beginning as a small child, until the last few lead him to UT for advanced study and I believe years, when her health no longer permitted his work would have made major contributions A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication to our field and we grieve that loss among so TAD president’s report many other losses. Mark loved challenges, be they the mountains of Everest or the thrills By Larry D. Evans of innovation in designing his own custom skateboards.” Hope you all had a swell summer visiting Gobble was active in the TED community with family,friends,and and served as a host for TEDx presentations places. focusing on issues affecting the deaf and The summer went hard of hearing community, said DJ Kurs, co- by fast. The board organizer of TEDxIslay. A presentation that just had their Gobble was the host of, “Deaf in the Military,” regular meeting at was featured on the front page of TED.com. the beautiful Moody Gardens resort/ “Less than one percent of all TEDx talks make it hotel in Galveston. to TED.com,” Kurs said. “Mark was the emcee of The Purpose of the the events and his presence added so much. He site visit/meeting was able to frame the day into a context that was to check out the inspired every attendee. He had a real passion possibility of having for meaningful change and TEDxIslay was our Texas Association only part of his grand vision for the future. He of the Deaf (TAD) conference there next had many academic and personal pursuits but June 2013. This is a place where the whole above all, he was a husband and father.” family could come.
Assistant psychology professor Stephanie The passing of Anita Dalla is being felt by Cawthon said Gobble was a dedicated co- all of us. She was the longest serving and worker. oldest member of the TAD. She joined back in 1939. She also attended TAD “He loved research, participating on many conferences with her parents when she was projects, including several here at UT,” Cawthon a little girl. said. “Mark was very excited about his The Texas legislative session begins in dissertation work and his upcoming move to January 2013. The board is prepared to Boston University. As a friend, Mark was a very identify topics and issues such as education, loving and supportive person. Mark took on the interpreters, and social services from the world and never saw limitations in front of him, statewide community. only opportunity. I will miss him greatly.” On the national level, the National Memorial College Fund for Trent and Shanna Association of the Deaf (NAD), which the TAD fully supports) is addressing Contributions can be made at the Texas School the "Child First" campaign. The purpose for the Deaf Cashier or through any Wells Fargo is to "...insure that deaf and hard of branch or electronically at routing # 111900659 hearing students across the United States acct. # 8176397266. experience the same kind of access to language development, social interaction, and academic opportunities experienced by their peers." The TAD continues to be part of the Texas Dept. of Emergency Management (TDEM) disability committee. You may have noticed increased visual access for preparedness during and after natural disasters from state agencies such as DARS-DHHS and the Governor's office. Enjoy the fall/football season(best of all) and don't forget to get your family and friends to join TAD, especially with the upcoming legislative session. The more 5 members we have, the better we look. Summer 2012 2012 National Association of 1- Margie English and Steve Lovi; Region 2 the Deaf conference - Richard McCowin and Michael Berger; Region By Larry Evans and Marianne Sasseen 3 - Christopher Patterson and Larry Evans; Region 4 – Julie Rems-Smario and David O. Larry Evans, President and Marianne Reynolds. The two at-large positions will filled Sasseen, Secretary, were selected to at a later date. be the TAD delegates at the 2012 NAD Conference in Louisville, Kentucky during Below are the motions that were reviewed and July 3 – 7, 2012. Dr. Gertie Galloway was voted on during the delegate meetings. They selected as the alternative. The theme are in three categories: Priority Motions, Top 5 of the conference was “Nothing About Us Motions, and On-going Motions. Without Us.” Priority Motions: There were 93 delegates from all Mandate Housing Urban Development on around the country and 32 delegates Culturally Acceptable Housing – The NAD shall representing various affiliations, a total of mandate HUD to allow American Sign Language approximately 125 delegates in all. (ASL) to be considered a protected form of Larry and Marianne attended the delegate a diverse group that qualifies for low-income meetings daily and thankfully the air housing and/or senior housing. conditioning was functioning because the Informed Decision-Making and Language heat outside was intense. The delegate Deprivation -- The NAD shall set up a meetings were professionally led by Headquarters Ad-Hoc Committee to develop Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins and her hard model state and federal legislation to prevent working NAD staff and board members. language deprivation. During the conference, the two TAD Accountability Task Force -- The NAD shall delegates, along with the other delegates, establish a seven-member Accountability Task were able to be involved in a plan of action Force (five members from regions/affiliates and for the NAD, the board, and the members two members from the NAD Board), with each for the next two years with the hopes that member appointed by the five regions/affiliates, this will ensure that each deaf and hard of to define process and success and to develop a hearing person has the right to ASL and way of measuring the progress and completion language access. of the NAD priorities. The next NAD Conference, in July 2014, Top 5 Motions: will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. 1. Establishment of an Employment Task Force The TAD delegates were so proud to see -- The NAD shall develop an Employment Miss Deaf Texas, Ms.Sericia Jackson, come task force to focus on improving employment in as second runner-up during the Miss outcomes for deaf individuals in the United Deaf America pageant. States. NTID/RID won first place during the 2. National Leadership Training Program -The College Bowl. NAD shall work with the Bummy Leadership The new NAD officers are: Christopher Institute (BLI) and California State University, Wagner ,Florida, President; Melissa Northridge to resume leadership training Draganac-Hawk, Pennsylvania, Vice- following the model of The National Leadership President; Kirsten Poston, Maryland, Training Program at CSUN and College of Secretary; and Philippe Montalette, Professional Studies and Outreach (CPSO) at 6 Treasurer. Board members are: Region Gallaudet University. A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication 3. Mental Health Service -- The NAD shall advocate for legislative changes and place children receive instruction in American call to action full time Mental Health Services Sign Language by developing lesson plans Coordinator for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in all and materials for language instruction states. specialists, and maintaining a directory of approved ASL instructional programs. 4. Legislative Training -- The NAD shall make it a priority to institute a training program in 6. Lobby to Change EHDI Oversight to U.S. the legislative process, legislative priorities, Department of Education -- The NAD shall and legislative relationship building for state lobby to move Early Hearing Detection associations and its members. and Intervention (EHDI) oversight from the Centers for Disease Control to the U.S. 5. Restore State Association Coordinator - Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and Rehabilitative Services The NAD shall create and fund a State (OSERS). Association Coordinator within the headquarters to focus on coordinating information sharing 7. National Early Intervention Strategy with all state associations and affiliates. Team -- The NAD shall establish a National Early Intervention Strategy Team, which On-going Motions: would be composed of up to 10 members 1. Expand Captioning Access -- The NAD with up to two NAD board members and shall work to expand captioning access, one American Society of Deaf Children including Internet videos,videogames, phone (ASDC) representative along with applications, and other future mediums where community members that are experts captioning access may be needed that have in the early intervention (and language voiced dialogue, lyrical music and sound effects. acquisition) field. This taskforce would be responsible for analyzing the current 2. Education/EHDI -- NAD shall make it a landscape (politics, legal, and financial) of priority to focus on strengthening and ensuring the early intervention field and developing access to appropriate placements under the working plans for strategic mobilization. IDEA law with parts C and B and ensuring that deaf schools are protected as the least 8. National Education Strategy Team -- The restrictive environment (LRE) and as part of the NAD shall establish a National Education continuum of educational placements. Strategy Team, which would be composed of up to 10 diverse members with up to 3. Functional Equality – The NAD shall ensure two NAD board members and one CEASD that all services in the United States be equally representative along with community accessible to all Deaf people as well as to members that are known experts in the hearing people about moving displays such as education field. This taskforce would be used in gas stations, department stores, fast responsible for analyzing the current food services, etc. that the Deaf cannot easily landscape (politics, legal, and financial) of see. the education field and developing working plans for strategic mobilization. 4. National ASL Content Standards -- The NAD shall inspire and coordinate with community 9. Vocational Rehabilitation -- The NAD stakeholders, state associations, and legal staff shall work with Vocational Rehabilitation to to lobby and work with their respective state ensure that deaf individuals have the right legislature and department of education to to choose VR support from within their adopt the national ASL standards to improve state, rather than be forced to travel long ASL instruction in Deaf Education and foster distance to receive services. deaf student achievement. 10. NAD Partnering with CAID / State Deaf 7 5. Parental Sign Language Instruction Programs Associations to Save Deaf Schools -- The -- The NAD shall ensure that parents of deaf Summer 2012 NAD shall partner with state associations Rights -- The permanent advocacy committees and with teacher organizations, such as the shall be added to the structure of NAD. Each Convention of American Instructors of the advocacy committee in their area of expertise Deaf (CAID) to act as strong advocates to can concentrate on the specialized issues that save the deaf schools. are vital to the deaf community.
11. Protect Schools for the Deaf -Civil 17. Freedom of Information on CI -- The Rights Coalition -- The NAD shall establish NAD shall work on gathering information and a national civil rights coalition with other statistics regarding cochlear implants from national deaf associations. the medical profession, including statistics on success and failures of those implanted. 12. Shared Action Alert System for State Associations -- The NAD shall work with 18. D/HH Mainstreaming School Programs -- state associations to develop an action The NAD shall make it a priority to ensure that alerts system so that the community all mainstreaming school programs hire Deaf/ is more directly involved and aware HH qualified applicants who teach D/HH pupils of legislative efforts affecting the deaf in the mainstreaming school programs. Hiring community. Electronic action alerts Deaf/HH teachers will improve pupils’ education are a great way for the NAD and state and communication. associations to be connected through electronic links to a shared web site system. 19. Conference Priorities Reduction -- The NAD shall work to reduce the number of biannual 13. Audism in the Dictionary -- The NAD Conference Priorities to 5 essential priorities. will assume leadership in pushing for publication of “Audism” in all dictionaries. 20. VRS -- The NAD shall establish “watchdog” efforts to ensure VRS providers to have all VRS 14. Promotion of ASL Standardization and interpreters that are qualified who have met Usage in Pre-K to 12 Educational Programs eligibility requirements for quality interpreting -- The NAD shall establish a task force that on TV screens. will better evaluate school performance of deaf students who are using ASL in all 21. Spanish Language in NAD website -- The educational programs in the country. The NAD shall add written Spanish translations to all NAD needs to focus primarily on the issue NAD website content. of children who are either overlooked or 22. 40-Hour Privilege Training for NAD Board forced into a speaking and hearing based and Staff -- The NAD board members and system that is effective for a small minority staff need to take 40-hour privilege training of students. If the school programs cannot after the NAD conference to become allies of marginalized people in the deaf community. effectively provide ASL to children, the NAD should assist in creating a model that will 23. National Member Delegates -- The help improve ASL education in a bilingual NAD shall have representatives for national way to ensure that all children receive members on the NAD Board and proportional representation of national members as effective communication in their educational delegates at the NAD conference. programs. 24. Proxy Vote during Elections -- The NAD 15. Removal of Deaf Truck Drivers’ shall provide proxy votes to all NAD members Licensing Barriers -- The NAD shall work by email or mail. All NAD members who must with the US Department of Transportation be at least one year of NAD membership are qualified to vote. to remove the following regulations from USDOT/ FMCSA: 391.11(2), 391.41(b)(11), 25. Election (Update the NAD’s Voting System) and 391.43(EARS) from all Class A drivers. -- The NAD shall amend bylaws to allow NAD 8 regular members to vote independently of their 16. Advocacy Committee: Bioethical delegates. A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication TSD Girls’ 2012 National Track Champions Front Row (L-R): Leticia Corralejo, Viviana Santos, Amy Johnson, Dariana Gaston, Saria Webb, Yairielis Canamero, Jasilyn Williams; Second Row: Cinthia Orozco, Sarah Counts, Amelia Hamilton, Kylene Etkie, Deltona Markel, Caitlin Kight, Angelica DeJesus: Back Row: Nick Bannon (Assistant Coach), Larry Smith (Head Coach), Don Williams (Assistant Coach) Not Pictured: Brandi Prater and Mayme Shnaekel 2012 Prep track and field team Boys Team of the Year: Alabama School for the and individual athletes of the Deaf year awards Track Athlete of the Year: Mohamed Kamara, Maryland School for the Deaf Posted by Track & Field NSO, 6-15-2012 Field Athlete of the Year: Antoine Nathaniel, A committee has reviewed the 2012 Prep Boys California School for the Deaf, Fremont and Girls Track and Field Team and Individual honors. For complete results and top times, information can be found through this link: After reviewing and compiling the finishes of all Track and Field events, the committee has http://www.usadtf.org/pdf/2012PrepResults.pdf declared the Team of the Year and Player of the Puns, continued Year for each Track and Field category. I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. The winners are: Then it dawned on me.
Girls Team of the Year: Texas School for the This girl said she recognized me from the Deaf vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.
Track Athlete of the Year: Lauren Morabito, I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I can’t Dana Hills High School put it down.
Field Athlete of the Year: Crystle Marion – St. I did a theatrical performance about puns. It Mary’s School for the Deaf was a play on words. 9 Summer 2012 TexasTexas SchoolSchool forfor thethe DeafDeaf HOMECOMING2012 FeelFeel thethe PowerPower Saturday, September 22nd, 2012 9:45am Gate opens for general public 10am - 12pm TSDAA Board Meeting at the MPR Room 10am, 11am, 1pm, & 2pm TSD Presentation and Virtual Tours at TSD L.R. Davis Auditorium 10am - 4pm Heritage Center open for visitors. 10am - 4pm Carnival Booths in Mall Area & Heritage Center Tour TSD vs. Brentwood Christian Junior Varsity Volleyball Match - Seeger Gym @ 1:00pm TSD vs. Brentwood Christian Varsity Volleyball Match - Seeger Gym @ 2:00pm TSD vs California School for the Deaf, Riverside Football Pre-Game Festivities - Gamblin Field • Introduction former HC Queens • National Anthem • Crowning of 2012-2013 HC King & Queen (half time) Football Game - Gamblin Field Starting at 5:00pm
General information: [email protected] • Booths/Vendors: [email protected] ALL DAY PASS Shuttle Bus Service Bus will run from 9:45am til 30 mins after the game. $10.00 Adults Parking on campus is not available (except handicapped/disabled with valid $5.00 Senior Citizens over 64, TSD HS sticker). Please take advantage of complimentary shuttle service from: students & Non-TSD students One Texas Center $3.00 TSD MS students (South First St. at Barton Springs) Free TSD Elem & Kids Five or Under Home Side Seating Seating is limited on the home side bleachers. Please be aware that if you $1.00 Program Book have a seat on the home side, reserve your seat if you wish to keep it. VENDORS: Booth setup will be from 8:00am-9:30am and the mall area needs to be clear by 9:30am. www.tsd.state.tx.us 10
A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Poetic Silence
Living Life Vicariously To some, baseball is stodgy, But to me, it is my lair… For I live life vicariously Beseeching the ball to stay fair.
Tim Jaech 8-11-2012
11 Summer 2012 Poetic Silence, continued
Man’s Best Friend Witness my life, Such is my strife… Behold my dog, As he lifts my fog. Tim Jaech 9-3-2012
On Facing Cancer Neptune’s Realm In my present circumstance, The power of the sea is dynamic, I may bear a stoic countenance… Simultaneously sullen and majestic … I can stare at the face of horror, Is this the calm after the storm, For my nemesis has made me a Or the calm before the maelstrom?
warrior. Tim Jaech 9-10-2012 Tim Jaech 3-22-2012 12
A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Harry S. Truman in 1948 and for a miracle on Election Day. Even Facebook in 2012 major newspapers prematurely and By Steve C. Baldwin, former The Deaf Texan editor/Texas Association of the Deaf president
[Editor’s note: The Texas Association of the Deaf board members do not necessarily endorse the opinions and ideas presented by writers submitting articles to The Deaf Texan for publication.]
Introduction: This article aims to enlighten the thinking of readers who appreciate a short history lesson with a contemporary event that contains universal elements like technology, human behavior and subsequent results, which requires a guarded degree of optimism, regardless if the readers are deaf or hearing.
There is an intriguing similarity between the election of Harry S. Truman’s 1948 election Photo Credit: Byron Rollins, AP, Nov 3, 1948 and the 2012 National Association of the Deaf (NAD) presidential election in Louisville, Kentucky. With Facebook (FB) being the most embarrassingly announced a Dewey win. popular form of social media in this age, NAD candidates allowed supporters to churn up Truman won 50% of the popular vote and a the campaign efforts online, reaching out to near landslide of 57% of the electoral votes, members, delegates and friends across the which is still the pivotal method today. Only country prior to the election on July 6, 2012. 45% of the popular votes were for Dewey and a mere 189 electoral votes. With The Facebook campaign was fast and furious respect to tradition, the loser conceded from one side, and any attempt to disagree the election to President Truman. The was met with either a blitz of emotional tirades, winner needed 266 electoral votes for the a misguided puerile assumption of being presidency. (Source: www:presidentelect/ patronized or even a delete button from both e1948.) sides. Some loyal supporters or propagandists from either camp became stubborn with no How did a predicted loser like Truman open mind in vogue. While there are general win? The Electoral College voters most guidelines on standards of behavior for social likely listened to both candidates carefully, media users (some Olympians in London were regardless of partisan allegiance, all the expelled for abusive twittering messages), it way up to the last day prior to the election. is difficult to police nearly a billion of users. Once the polling stations closed, the media (Source: The Huffington Post, Aug. 14, 2012, could not exert any more influence or by Britney Fitzgerald.) subject the public to political propaganda. Consequently, the intangibility of wisdom President Truman faced similar animosity from th and fairness nourished the voters’ the 4 Estate (aka public media). Back then, judgment. And common sense prevailed newspaper and periodical writers, political radio over a collective group of misguided media columnists and renowned editors jumped on the people who fell for the wrong campaign bandwagon for the heavily favored Republican camp as if it were a one-night stand in candidate Thomas E. Dewey. 1948. Historically speaking, Truman has The Gallup polls showed Truman falling been rated in many of the top ten best behind by a miserable margin, predictably presidents categories, including the January a sure loser. The negative mudslinging was 8, 2008 article by Nicholas D. Kristof of The causing serene friction even among Truman’s New York Times. own Democrats. But Truman never gave up, Fast forward to the 51st biennial NAD 13 ran a straightforward campaign and hoped conference. Winning NAD presidential Summer 2012 candidate Chris Wagner won by 79 votes victory. Understandably, the current method out of 127 delegates (four had to leave for of selecting the winner actually came from the various reasons without voting), which was Council of Representatives of NAD, just like the 62% of the vote. Not exactly a landslide, constitutional system called Electoral College but a clear-cut majority (see iDeaf News that chooses our president. vlog dated July 6 video). The moral of this story is that nothing can These 79 delegates observed and listened replace the wisdom of a wise human voter or objectively to both candidates in person, delegate, regardless of the social media sites, met them on the social level and chose word-of-the-mouth claims or overall modern- the winner by secret ballot. Instead of day technology. Unfortunately, just like in 1948, falling fully for the two-dimensional online claims of a rigged election continue to float world called Facebook prior to the election, around after the conference. which appears reminiscent of the mistaken poll of 1948, the new NAD president Interestingly, most of the complainers are won convincingly, fair and square. But not members of NAD or their respective NAD the win soured because of accusations, state association. The “rigging” issue can be allegations, assumptions and cries of answered with the knowledge that any level unfairness from many people. Accordingly, of election can be reformed when necessarily a slew of bloggers, vloggers, Twitterers agreed upon by an organization or government. and Facebookers took advantage of our Consequently, NAD needs to fix this problem ambiguous free speech amendment -- while as discernibly warranted. It is also a natural, displaying a lack of protocol and reverence. human response for some NAD members and delegates to dwell on the loss or initiate a What would Emily Post say about this blame game. By stepping out of the box of lack of decency in our digital revolution? a conditioned perception, we can learn a lot Manners aside, maybe folk songwriter Bob from a different viewpoint that begs to differ Dylan might sing his signature line, “For the while trying to achieve a comfortable level of times are a-changing.” Or were the election egalitarianism. results fraught with attempts to stem the tide of reactionary people? Since conventional wisdom dictates that time is a good leveler for bitter feelings to fade away, According to a California psychologist, Dr. there are three pressuring challenges for NAD. Larry Rosen, Facebooking tends to want The first challenge is accepting the end result, to fit its thinking into a narrative of one moving on without having to author a long perception, be it negative or positive, bitter tirade online and not depending solely right or wrong. However, the quantity on Facebook for virtual reality in our society. of Facebook comments usually does not However, maybe it is time to reconcile digital always indicate quality information until technology with the current voting system, the veracity comes out within the silent which is a viable challenge. The third challenge majority of those who wait until all the facts for NAD and the American Deaf community is to are out. It appears that history repeats work together for a common cause. itself when the media or Facebook users attempt to assume an end result before the NAD President Chris Wagner already produced actual conclusion. the first step by offering to work on reforming the election process for future conferences. With some credible concerns in the air, He is more than willing to talk with the Deaf the NAD’s losing camp supporters will be populace in the Bay area this coming fall where curiously remembered for their attempt to his board meeting will take place. control reality while crying, “Foul!” Whether or not Facebookers from either side will Reconciling is always an excellent way to mark the experience of the summer of start the bonding process, which takes ample 2012 as a lesson to be learned, right or time, patience to spare, dedicated teamwork wrong, remains to be seen. One thing and an open mind. While this is not wholly a for sure: a high volume of members/ prescription for a quick resolution, it is a major 14 hits (6854 at last count via FB) does not step forward. It will take more than two years necessarily translate into a guaranteed to evaluate Wagner’s presidential achievements A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication and discuss the eventual impact on the After all, President Truman managed to work American Deaf community. with a bittersweet Congress by addressing and fixing nagging acute and chronic national The Deaf world is too small to be diversified and world problems without the mass media any further, especially between generations, calling the shots for once. Likewise, NAD groups, or parties. Most importantly, NAD needs can address the current situation with a clear to mend fences, listen to the young deaf and conscience and conviction by reaching out hard of hearing populace, members or non- to the membership and the common Deaf members, and avoid exacerbating the problems people. It all begins anew in San Francisco between groups. Let the healing begin and the for the next chapter in National Association dialogue initiated. Maybe the idealistic national of the Deaf’s 132nd year of existence. “Deaf think tank” is the first proactive step to Always learning and evolving, the NAD can take since it is another viable opportunity to afford to leave its “heart in the city by the work together for the cohesive betterment of bay.” our future.
Graphics Credit: David Pierce
15 Summer 2012 Pierce wants to represent (5) Improve fiscal conservatism in spending.” District 6 Pierce considers Seguin his home. He said he By Bob Thaxton | loves the city because it’s similar to the small Posted: Sunday, 8-26- town where he was raised in upstate New York. 2012, 12:00 a.m. SEGUIN GAZETTE He is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of ENTERPRISE Technology in Rochester, N.Y. where he was honored with its Distinguished Alumnus Award SEGUIN — David in 1993. H. Pierce, a film and television Pierce has won several other awards including producer, has filed the Barbara Jordan MediaAward from the Texas as a candidate Governor’s Office and the Telly Award from the in the November media industry. He is listed in “Who’s Who in election to the Media and Communications,” and he was represent District 6 named one of the top 10 people in the nation in 1997 by Hearing Health magazine. Photo credit: H.A. Dan Daniels on the City Council. Pierce is the owner and chief executive At the Kaleidoscope Network, Pierce was officer of Davideo Productions, a motion responsible for more than 49,000 hours picture film and broadcast television of satellite broadcasts airing in 15 million production, syndication and consulting firm households nationwide. based in Seguin. In addition to his work operating networks, For 27 years, Pierce has worked in all Pierce has produced, directed, and edited aspects of television programming and hundreds of broadcast-quality television production, and is considered to be a programs, videos, films, promos and “jack of all trades” in the broadcast and commercials for various entities. cable industry. He formerly was vice Pierce’s specialty is historical motion picture president of programming and operations preservation and archiving. for Kaleidoscope Network Inc. which was based in Hollywood, Calif., and then in San In Seguin, he works at the Palace Theatre on Antonio. various film programs and productions, and he co-founded the Seguin Cine Museum at the Pierce moved from Hollywood to San Palace. Antonio in 1990 and then moved to Seguin in 1997. Pierce also is a cartoonist and has a weekly comic strip called “The Old Fogeys” that has “The past administration has done a good been distributed on the Internet since 2002 job in making improvements for the city and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. of Seguin, and I commend them for those He also is a professional magician and past efforts,” Pierce said in announcing his president of the San Antonio chapter of the candidacy for the council. “If elected, I International Brotherhood of Magicians. will work to continue those improvements, which will help blossom into a beautiful Pierce is married to Robin Byers-Pierce who flower. owns a medical, legal and entertainment interpreting firm based in San Antonio. They “I have developed five objectives for have been together for 20 years. improvements which are as follows: Pierce and another candidate, Fonda Mathis, (1) Improve street conditions; (2) Improve are vying to succeed District 6 Councilman drainage in areas that need it; (3) Improve Steve Tschoepe who is completing his second Seguin’s media image; (4) Improve term and is not eligible to seek re-election. 16 bringing higher-paying jobs to Seguin; and
A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Rudolph Delbert “Rudy” Gamblin During his several years at TSD, his football teams won the National Deaf Prep By Franna Camenisch Championships in three years straight, Curator of the TSD Museum and Archives 1941, 1942, and 1943, with 22 wins, three losses, and three ties. Also, Rudy was Definitely, Rudolph Gamblin is on the list chosen twice as Coach of the Year during of successful deaf coaches and community these years. leaders. He was known as the most successful deaf coach in the United States back in the At TSD, he found himself putting in more 1940’s. He also was a very dedicated leader hours and getting less pay than the others. for the Deaf Community in Texas. That frustrated him enough to hang out his “Work Wanted” sign. The following Rudolph was born in Stamford, TX on July 15, summer when he 1907. He became deaf was working as at the age of 3 because an inspector at a of spinal meningitis. He tool company in attended Oklahoma School Houston, he was for the Deaf for three years offered to coach before he transferred to at a junior high Texas School for the Deaf school at Amarillo where he graduated in where his folks as 1928. Then he went to well as his wife’s Gallaudet College where folks lived. At that he worked as a physical same time, he education assistant and received some 30 served as president of the other offers from student body. There he Texas schools and played all varsity sports he returned to and was Captain of the TSD to turn in his football team. resignation and left An interesting thing about for his hometown, him going to Gallaudet Amarillo. should be mentioned here. At the junior high Even though he received school, his football a scholarship, he had team lost only one no money for traveling game in two years. there. So he hitched free He was promoted rides in railroad boxes like to coach football a “hobo.” He continued and baseball this free transportation at the Amarillo all through his years at High School. His Gallaudet, riding the rails football team between Washington, D.C. Rudy Gamblin in 1925 won the city and Stamford, TX. Photo credit: TSD Museum and Archives championship in Upon his graduation from Gallaudet in 1935, 1945 and was undefeated the next year. Rudy coached at Fanwood (later relocated to His baseball team went to the state finals White Plains, NY) from 1935 to 1940. He was in 1948, losing to a strong team, Adamson credited with making the NYSD school football- of Dallas, State defending champions, by a conscious and was named Coach of the Year 1-0 score. He coached there until 1949. in 1939. Homesickness forced him to resign You may wonder how he communicated and come back to Texas. Finding there was no with his hearing players and fellow opening at TSD, he ended up at El Paso High coaches since he could not hear. He School as director of physical education. After gave instructions by penciled notes and one year at El Paso, he was finally appointed blackboard, plus some signs. His methods head coach at TSD with Roger Powell as his worked just fine for his players. For his assistant. great contributions to these sports, he 17 Summer 2012 was admitted to the Hall of Fame of the a licensed electrician, mostly in commercial American Athletic Association of the Deaf in and industrial construction, and 5 years with 1964. building management control integration. I was laid off in April of 2009 with the dramatic Rudy worked for the Amarillo Hardware slowdown in the construction industry. After Co. and later on for the U.S. Bureau of being on the job hunt for a year, coupled with Reclamation in Amarillo until 1976. He was the frustration of finding a position fitting my honored for his work as an employee of the background with supervisory experience, I bureau and his story appeared in a 1968 decided to look at my career options in different issue of The Washington Report. It stated, field. “Certainly, anyone who has the courage and persistence to overcome a hearing handicap The Story: as Rudolph Gamblin has, deserves some kind of recognition…” I reached out to Texas Workforce Solutions- Rural Capital in Round Rock and discussed Gamblin’s community service covered many various alternative career options. Texas years of active, hard work on behalf of the Workforce Solutions encouraged me to get with deaf in Texas. He was vice-president of the Cathy Redson, a professional Solar PV (Photo Texas Association of the Deaf from 1953 to Voltaic) instructor, at the Green Job Workshop 1958 and president from 1958 to 1962. He with the Texas Renewable Energy Roundup in founded the Texas Society of Interpreters Salado, Texas in April 2010. At the workshop, for the Deaf (TSID) in 1963, the forerunner of the National Registry of Interpreters for Ms. Redson and I both settled on the direction the Deaf (RID) which began in 1964. In for myself to undergo training in the solar 1979, he was appointed by the Governor PV field since the electrical experience I held to serve on the Texas Commission for the complemented the skills needed for the solar PV Deaf (TCD) until 1985. He was a long- field. time member of the National Association In May 2010, I of the Deaf (NAD), which bestowed one of its highest awards on him, “Knight of the enrolled in the Austin Flying Fingers.” He was inducted into the Community College’s TSD Alumni Association (TSDAA) Hall of continuing education Fame in 1998 when the TSDAA Hall of Fame solar program program was originated. undertaking several courses in Solar PV, On October 8, 1988, the football field at Solar Thermal and TSD was officially named “The Rudolph Wind Energy. Gamblin Athletic Field.” I continued to take Gamblin passed away at the age of 83 in renewable energy Amarillo on February 1, 1991. Survivors courses at Austin included his wife Gustine; their three Community College. children, Vera Catherine Hoffman, William However, I still Fisk Gamblin, and Mary Eva Schrader; Photo credit: could not find any ten grandchildren; and four great- Brian Smith, ACC positions due to my grandchildren. background making Jason Shaw: First deaf solar me overqualified for many of the open solar PV installer PV installer positions which were going for By Jason Shaw apprentice electricians. I determined the next Source:Deaf Network of Texas course of action, in addition to training, was to start building up networking connections in [Editor’s note: This article has been the Clean Energy field. The first thing I did excerpted.] was to join a student group, Renewable Energy Student Association, at Austin Community Background: College as an officer with the title of Continuing Education Outreach Coordinator in fall 2010. 18 I am not a stranger to the clean energy field, having spent seventeen years as I needed to gain experience with the A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication installation, with a lead role, of at least two In addition, I was re-elected to continue solar PV systems over 1KW in order to take to serve as the President of the Renewable the North America Board of Energy Practioners Energy Student Association at ACC for the (NABCEP) Solar PV Installer Certification exam. term beginning fall 2012. My role, as the I heard about and decided to attend an event President of RESA is to lead a team to work hosted by Texas Clean on providing professional developments for students Energy Foundation, Solar Energy Entrepreneurs Network (SEEN) in March of 2010. Go to: at ACC in all aspects of Renewable http://sites.google.com/site/wwwaustinseen/ Energy, Building Efficiency and Alternative Technologies for Transportation. At the SEEN function, I met the executive director of NABCEP, Ezra Auerbach, from New Goals: York. Auerbach was in Austin, Texas to finalize the detail of a new program with ImagineSolar After trying different paths, I had offering an alternative experience pathway lab, decided to change my major at ACC the first of its kind in the nation, with solar from Renewable Energy Specialization to PV installation for journeyman and master Business Management with a certification in electricians in order to help them qualify for the Small Business Management. I plan to get NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification exam. employed in the solar PV industry and am looking into various options from starting Auerbach also mentioned another program, a consulting business, solar PV integration CNEST or Comprehensive-National Electrician company, establishing anon-profit Solar Training, a grant program administered organization to serve the Deaf community by Peter Brodeur with Workforce Solutions- by doing outreach, education/training and Capital Area in Austin, Texas. community service modeled on One House At A Time to help the low-income families I enrolled in the CNEST program in summer within the deaf community to do energy 2011. In addition, in my role as the new Co- upgrades on their homes. I will be taking Chair of RESA, I worked to turn RESA into the NABCEP Solar PV Technical Sale exam a student chapter of American Solar Energy as well as the Masters Electrician Exam. Society (ASES), making Austin Community In addition, I am planning to pursue the College the first community college in the NABCEP Small Wind Installer Certification nation and the first higher education institute in after strong encouragement from the wind Texas to have a student chapter of ASES. energy community.
I also enrolled in the credit portion of the To see Jason Shaw’s ASL video interview - Renewable Energy Specialization program. http://imaginesolar.com/jason-shaw I was elected as the President of RESA for the fall 2011 term under the new leadership structure I had created.
Result:
I finally completed all the Renewable Energy training with ImagineSolar and attempted, with DARS helping cover the exam expenses, to pass the NABCEP Solar PV Installer Certification exam, one of the toughest in the nation.
On the second attempt in March of 2012, I passed the exam! I am now officially a certified solar PV installer, joining 1500 other certified solar PV installers in the nation. Auerbach contacted me to give congratulations and informed me that, as far as NABCEP was Photo credit: Brian Smith, ACC aware, I was the first Deaf individual in the 19 nation to become a certified solar PV installer. Summer 2012 GURC-SW update The National Outreach Conference and the By Libby Allen, GURCSW Support Staff Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (NOC/ We have had a very busy spring and CEASD) was held in Hartford, Connecticut. summer here at the Gallaudet University The conference was a great opportunity to Regional Center –Southwest. connect and network with administrators and outreach association of schools and Our center had the Shared Reading Project educational programs involved with the deaf (SRP) Site Coordinator Training in St. Louis, and hard of hearing individuals. Missouri. The Shared Reading Project: Keys to Success training is designed to During the month of May, the director, prepare site coordinators to establish Arlene Gunderson was invited to serve on the SRP at their own schools, programs, the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Education local libraries or community centers. The Task Force in Phoenix, Arizona. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education purpose of the taskforce was to identify Center’s Shared Reading Project is a key areas of services, with outcomes nationally acclaimed program designed to orientation, which serves as the basis teach parents and other caregivers how of operational planning for the state of to read to their deaf and hard of hearing Arizona. The director also gave Gallaudet children using American Sign Language and University’s how to use strategies to make book sharing college more effective. Please contact the center scholarship to if you are interested in starting a Shared six seniors at Reading Project! Texas School for the Deaf In April, the National Academic Bowl was during their held at Gallaudet University April. Gallaudet luncheon University established the Academic Bowl graduation in 1997. The competition consists of a award. question and answer game of general knowledge and quick recall. Questions When summer are drawn from the following categories: started, the History and Government; Language and center opened Literature; Science and Technology; its doors to Geography; Mathematics; the Arts; Deaf a summer Studies; Current Events; and Pop Culture, intern from Gallaudet University, Sericia Leisure and Sports. The tournament hosts Jackerson. Sericia is onto her last semester 320 Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in students from around the U.S. and for the Communication Studies. Sericia earned first time ever, Canada to compete in the 100 hours at the center. We will miss her academic quiz tournament. If your school but we wish her well at school this semester is interested to have a team participate, and hope to have her back in Austin! please contact the center and go to this link for more information: The annual Family Weekend Retreat at the Texas School for the Deaf had a http://www.gallaudet.edu/academic_bowl.html presenter that was sponsored by our center. The event was filled with lots of During the month of April, CASA conference fun activities, educational workshops and a was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. CASA lot of opportunities to network with other conference is known as Family-to-Family families. The program is geared for families weekend packed with family-relevant in Texas who have deaf/ hard of hearing workshops and ASL learning activities children. for children and family members. NMSD families and NMSD Outreach families The Miss Deaf America Ambassador mingled and learned in an informal Program in Danville and Louisville, environment learning from energetic Kentucky was held for 2 weeks June 25- instructors. The Gallaudet University July 7. Gallaudet University Regional 20 Regional Center- Southwest sponsored a Center Southwest sponsored the National presenter at the conference. Association of the Deaf (NAD) by leading A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication the program with 8 people on the committee featured a special announcement about leading team. The Miss Deaf America the Deaf Seniors of Texas, the newly Ambassador Program is a great way for young established organization composed of deaf women to showcase their talents and Houston, Dallas and Austin deaf seniors promote platforms that we all can benefit from. to raise funds and sponsor the 2017 DSA During the end of July, approaching the month Conference in Houston. The DST plans of August, Gallaudet University Regional Center to have a Deaf Senior Citizen Sympo in was one of the platinum sponsors for the Houston on October 12/13 with numerous Statewide Conference on Deaf Education. It workshops and speakers. A chartered bus was held in Houston, TX at the Westin Galleria. trip is now planned for that event at cost of Not only did the center sponsor this event $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. we also had a exhibit booth for teachers, This is for transportation only. There are interpreters, students and parents to come also registration costs as well as hotel and by and get more information on our center meals for those staying overnight. Fred and what it provides. The director also held a Newberry is collecting the money for the presentation on what Educational Opportunities bus trip. are available for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The conference had almost 700 registrants, this Visitors at our August meeting included will be held every 2 years. The next conference Melvin and Ruby Rueffer from Waco. Melvin is stated to be in San Antonio in 2014. is the President of the Central Texas Deaf We look forward to the new fiscal year starting Senior Citizens established one year ago October and the center will be announcing two and he gave us an update on the history of new staff working at the center so be on the the organization. look out and all the great things our center continue to do to serve the Southwest region! Richard Norton came after our August meeting to hold Ipad2 classes for small Activities of Travis County groups that need more user skills. deaf senior citizens We currently have 347 members and By Joanne Brininstool continue to meet on the first Thursday of Travis County deaf seniors have been involved the month at 1:00 p.m. at the South Austin in a variety of activities in spite of the hot Senior Citizens Center at 3911 Manchaca summer. Road. All are welcome. Dues are $10 for one year. The annual picnic was held at Mary Moore Preparation for 83rd Texas Searight Park on May 3rd and substituted Legislative Session for the regular monthly meeting. A barbecue By David H. Pierce luncheon was served. Mary Ann Giuntoli was the chairperson for this picnic, ably helped by The 83rd Texas legislative session is Richard Giuntoli, Ellen Hurne, Vivian Hesser, coming up in January 2013. We now have Glenn Brunson, Beth Strain, Brenda Mills and a few months to review and consider what Brenda Oates. legislative priorities we have that affect our community as a whole. We need to start Ann Horn, who heads the Senior Citizens these discussions now. Program at DARS, introduced the new head of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services , Lori The Yahoo Texas Deaf Issues listserv is the Breslow, at our June meeting. Lori Breslow medium to use for these discussions. We expressed much interest in our program and currently have 63 members from various hopes to come back this fall to discuss what groups and organizations across the State as well as TAD members. It was launched she can do for us. A chartered bus full of Travis on January 2009 and has gone through two County seniors went to Houston on a day trip in Texas legislative session periods. Its third June to visit the Titanic Museum and to have a session will start soon. luncheon with the Houston Deaf Seniors. The Disability Policy Consortium, of which 21 July was uneventful but the August meeting TAD is a member organization, is already Summer 2012 in heavy discussions on what the priorities information for consumers on how to respond are for this State affecting Texans with to the emergency. It also provides information disabilities. Once such priorities have been for consumers about how to contact their VPD identified, they prepare a booklet with or the Commission regarding compliance with "issue briefs" and present them to Texas the rule. legislators at the beginning of the session through their annual luncheon with all the For further information, contact Traci Randolph, member organizations, including TAD. Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office (202) 418-0569 (voice); Keep in mind that this online forum is the (202) 418-0537 (TTY) or email Traci.Randolph@ modern version of past symposiums (aka fcc.gov. Sympo) for the deaf and hard of hearing. In today's world, networking electronically For factsheets on closed captioning and access is the way to go especially with our fast- to emergency information rules, go to http:// paced political and social environment. fcc.gov/guides/closedcaptioning Please search the forum archives on what Delvin Furlough wins gold in issues we discussed in the past to serve 2012 Deaflympics as fodder for new discussions. Also in the By Deaf Network of Texas, Saturday, August 4, 2012 files section is the blueprint prepared by the [Editor’s note: This article has been excerpted.] national Deaf Community for the Obama administration. This is worthy of review Austinite Delvin Furlough, a mover for the again. Two Men and a Truck Austin North franchise won a gold medal for team USA by winning We cannot be passive. Please speak up, the 400 meter finals with a 48.97 at the 2012 exercise your responsibilities as Texas Deaflympics held in Toronto, Canada July 14- citizens, and start some discussions through 22. this free forum. The Deaflympics, previously called the World To join the Texas Deaf Issues discussion Games for the Deaf, are an International group, visit Olympic Committee (IOC)-sanctioned event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ Unlike the athletes in other IOC-sanctioned TexasDeafIssues/ events (i.e., the Olympics, the Paralympics, and Office of Governor Perry: the Special Olympics), the Deaflympians cannot Committee on People with be guided by sounds (i.e., the starter’s guns, Disabilities bullhorn commands or referee whistles.) Public Notice Reminder on Video Program The Deaflympics are held every four years Distributors' Obligation to Make Emergency and are the longest running multi-sport event Information Accessible excluding the Olympics themselves.
On August 28, 2012, the FCC’s Consumer This was the second gold medal won by the and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) Austin resident, a former sprinter for Woodrow released a Public Notice reminding video Wilson High School in Dallas. Furlough also won programming distributors (VPDs) such as the 400-meter race in the 2009 Deaflympics broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite held in Taipei, Taiwan. television services that deliver video programming directly to the home, of their San Marcos Senior Citizens obligation tomake emergency information Christmas dinner plans accessible to persons with hearing and By Barbie Vicencio vision disabilities in accordance with section 79.2 of the Commission’s rules. The San Marcos Senior Citizens are planning an annual Christmas Luncheon on December 6th Under section 79.2 of the Commission’s at the Salt Gras restaurant in San Marcos. For 22 rules, emergency information includes more information, contact Barbie Vicencio at critical details about the emergency and [email protected] . A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication SAN MARCOS NEWS
Laura Hill, Sara Harris, Virginia Barlow, Margie Coggins-‐Peckham, Barbie Vicencio, Joan Stovall, Shirley Huffington, and Vivian Hesser On June 23, 2012, Saturday, The Red Hats group from Dallas/FtWorth came to San Marcos for lunch at Salt Grass. After lunch, they went outlet shopping before going back to Dallas/Ft Worth. They asked Joan Stovall and Barbie Vicencio to join them for lunch. They all enjoyed the day. (Submitted by Vivian Hesser.)
LA VISTA DEAF SENIORs CELEBRATED TH JULY 4 WITH A LUNCHEON IN THE COMMUNITY CENTER
They served Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with to all the trimmings and cake from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They enjoyed themselves. Thank go to Jerry & Kay Williams, Arlen & Mary Whitset, Joan Stovall, Betty Thrasher, Earl Day, Lewis Stovall, James Maxwell, Vivian Hesser, Margaret Photo by Rennon Green Fewell, and Marian Seale for helping with the July 4th celebration. (Submitted by Barbie Vicencio) 5
23 Source: TAD-Senior Citizens August 2012 newsletter Summer 2012 NAD results: Miss Deaf America 2012-2014 Source: www.NAD.Org/blogs/nad-conference/miss- deaf-america-final-results
[Ed. note: This article has been excerpted.]
Rachel Mazique, Miss Deaf America 2010- 2012, came onstage and gave a very moving farewell speech as she shared her experiences with the Program. She emphasized that being Miss Deaf America made her a stronger person, and that she will continue to fight [for deaf rights] after handing down her crown.
Soon after Rachel’s speech, the judges made their decisions, and called all 14 contestants back onstage for the announcements!
Miss Congeniality: Miss Deaf Oklahoma - L to R: Trisha Waddell, Chanel Gleicher, and Mary Rios. Sericia Jackerson
2nd Runner-up: Miss Deaf Texas - Sericia News from the VRS world Jackerson. By Ed Bosson
1st Runner-up: Miss Deaf Kansas - Trisha Well, by now I imagine most of you already Leigh Waddell. know that number of VRS providers was a And the honor of being the final Miss Deaf high 52 or was that 54? Anyway, the number America Ambassador went to Miss Deaf of providers has been whittled down to a Maryland - Chanel Mandeville Gleicher! mere 7 VRS providers by the FCC. The FCC telecommunication relay department really The crowd went nuts shortly after the has tightened the regulation so much that only announcement, hands waving and feet those who follow the FCC rules to the letter stomping everywhere. We congratulate have a chance to make it. To comply with the Ms. Gleicher on her achievement, and look strict FCC regulations requires highly skilled forward to working closely with her as she lawyers and staff that are knowledgeable about fulfills the VRS regulations. Apparently, these 7 providers duties of have the right stuff. Miss Deaf America, 2012 - The following VRS providers are now providing 2014! the service (in alphabetical order and listed in the FCC website): Special thanks go ASL Service Holdings, LLC (Gracias VRS) to Joann Communications Axess Ability Group Benfield Convo Communications, LLC and Katie CSDVRS (ZVRS) Murch for Healing Telecom, LLC their hard Purple Communications, Inc. work. Sorenson Communications, Inc. (SVRS)
Some of you may say, “Hey, what about other VRS providers like SnapVRS, HawkRelay VRS, 24 and others?” SnapVRS “merged” customers, customer support operations and network with A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Healinc Telecom and because of the regulations, Texas Association of the Deaf. Laird also SnapVRS is run by Healinc in providing VRS. spoke on another topic at the conference. The conference was very well attended, and American Network has VRS certification, but several deaf persons involved with library is not in operation. AT&TVRS, HamiltonVRS, services were present, including Grant Laird, and SprintVRS no longer provide video relay his wife Katie, and long-serving activist services. Hawk Relay still has certification, but leader of FOLDA (Friends of Libraries for seems not to be in operation. Deaf Action), Alice Hagemeyer of Maryland.
There are quite a number of VRS providers who “subcontract” with Healinc, and that is a no- no, so that is now being discussed between the FCC and Healinc. The subcontractors will either have to give up VRS or allow Healinc to own the companies and become employees under Healinc. That is the FCC rule.
A note of interest: Convo is the only active provider that is deaf-owned. Before the FCC cracked down on VRS providers, there were a number of VRS providers that were owned by the deaf individuals. However, they failed to get certification so they are off the list now. L to R: Katie Laird, Grant Laird, and Alice Hagemeyer Right now as I type, the FCC has a team of investigators flying in to each video relay Web TV needs to have captions provider’s headquarters, looking at their starting next month, FCC rules books, analyzing their procedures, and asking Sunday, August 26, 2012 questions. By Deaf Network of Texas and By Janko Roettgers Source: http://gigaom.com/video/closed-captions- fcc-ruling/ My crystal ball tells me that the number of VRS providers may be whittled down to 6 when the [Editor’s note: This article has been FCC finishes its investigation and may either excerpted.] force one to close down or force the company to make changes to be compliant with VRS Deaf and hard-of-hearing web video viewers regulations. have long pressed for a faster adoption of closed captioning, and it looks like the All this means that in the future, you all can FCC got their back: Content also shown on trust VRS providers a bit more than as in past, TV will have to have closed captions when because we now know VRS providers comply streamed online starting next month, the with the VRS regulations. We all can breathe a commission recently ruled. bit easier now. Kudos to the FCC for that! TV networks and web video sites will have to start providing closed captions for any Grant Laird presents talk on Deaf TV content available online by the end Smith at conference of September, the FCC ruled a few days ago. The ruling reaffirmed the Twenty- Grant Laird of the Deaf Network of Texas spoke at the 2012 Mid-Winter American Library First Century Communications and Video Association Conference in Dallas, Texas last Accessibility Act of 2010, which was signed January 20-24, 2012. into law by President Obama in October of 2010, as well as an FCC ruling from earlier Laird’s topic was on Deaf Smith and the this year. However, the industry got a bit of conference attendees were exposed to the a break, with the FCC ruling that they won’t recent publication of the Deaf Smith Special have to provide customizable captions until Edition, courtesy of the Deaf Texan and the early 2014. 25 Summer 2012 Massachusetts ruling on services as a specific example of a public Netflix accommodation is irrelevant” since such Source: David H. Pierce captioningman web-based services did not exist when the
Scofield says a police photographer came to CLASSIC: his house the next day, but again, without A book which people praise, but never read. an interpreter to take his statement. SMILE: “On or around May 7th, 2012 plaintiff and A curve that can set a lot of things straight! family contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. The Scofields were OFFICE: merely circulated back and again to an A place where you can relax after your intake specialist,” the complaint states. strenuous home life
“Eventually the message was conveyed YAWN: that if plaintiff Scofield wanted to submit a The only time when some married men ever get to open their mouth. 28 report utilizing an interpreter, that it would need to be paid by Mr. Scofield, the victim EXPERIENCE: A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication The name men give to their mistakes. me.
DIPLOMAT: Did you hear about the cross A person who tells you to go to hell in such a eyed teacher who lost her job way that you actually look forward to the trip. because she couldn’t control her pupils? OPTIMIST: A person who while falling from EIFFEL TOWER When you get a bladder infection, urine says in midway “SEE I AM NOT INJURED YET!” trouble.
MISER: What does a clock do when it’s hungry? It A person who lives poor so that he can die goes back four seconds. RICH! I wondered why the baseball was getting FATHER: bigger. Then it hit me! A banker provided by nature. Broken pencils are pointless. CIGARETTE: A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at I tried to catch some fog. I mist. one end and a fool at the other! Venison for dinner? Oh deer! MARRIAGE: Earthquake in Washington obviously the It’s an agreement wherein a man loses his government’s fault. bachelor degree and a woman gains her master. I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure. LECTURE: An art of transmitting Information from the Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too. notes of the lecturer to the notes of students without passing through the minds of either. What do you call a dinosaur with extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus. CONFERENCE: The confusion of one man multiplied by the England has no kidney bank, but it does number present. have a Liverpool.
COMPROMISE: I used to be a banker, but then I lost The art of dividing a cake in such a way that interest. everybody believes he got the biggest piece. I dropped out of communism class because Puns, continued of lousy Marx.
How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it. All the toilets in New York’s police stations have been stolen. Police have nothing to go Why were the Indians here first? They had on. reservations. I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded They told me I had type A blood, but it was a dough. Type-O. Haunted French pancakes give me the A dyslexic man walks into a bra. crepes.
Class trip to the Coca-Cola factory. I hope Velcro - what a rip off! there’s no pop quiz. Cartoonist found dead in home. Details are Energizer battery arrested. Charged with sketchy. battery. 29 I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on Summer 2012 Time for an investment review?
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VP: 512.410.0739 VP: 240.575.2309 TTY: 866.451.2224 TTY: 800.344.5331 Invest with vision Voice: 866.588.7345 Voice: 888.265.6341 [email protected] [email protected] www.kramerfinancial.com
*Securities and Investment Advice offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Adviser. 30 Kramer Financial is not affiliated with FSC Securities or registered as a Broker Dealer or Investment Adviser. Not all services are free. A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication CSD of Texas CSD of Texas is dedicated to providing vital programs and services to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Interpreting Services CSD of Texas is proud to partner with some of the most highly qualified interpreters available in Texas today to offer Community Based Interpreting Community Services for our consumers across the state. CSD’s primary mission as a non Programs and profit organization managed by people who are deaf is to ensure communication Education access through the provision of quality sign language interpreting services. • Senior Deaf Adult Services To request an interpreter, e-mail [email protected] • Recreational Services • Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) CSD Interpreting Online • Transportation Services • Cross-Cultural CSD Interpreting Online (CSDIO) enables deaf and hearing people in the same room to Hearing Loss Awareness Training communicate through an interpreter at a distant location. Interpreting Online is convenient • Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Advocacy for the customer who needs communication access when traditional community interpreting For additional information, services are not available or practical. For additional information, e-mail [email protected] e-mail [email protected]
CSD of Texas – Austin CSD of Texas – Lubbock CSD of Texas – Tyler 1524 South IH 35, Suite 225 2024 82nd Street, Suite 103 1530 SSW Loop 323, Suite 114 Austin, Texas 78704-2603 Lubbock, Texas 79423 Tyler, Texas 75701 TTY: (512) 428-1801 • Voice: (512) 428-1800 Voice/TTY: (806) 796-3910 or Toll Free Voice/TTY: (888) 313-7851 Fax: (512) 837-1444 (866) 457-7801 • Fax: (806) 796-3908 Voice/TTY: (903) 534-1222 Fax: (903) 561-3780 CSD of Texas – El Paso CSD of Texas – San Antonio 6044 Gateway East, Suite 615 7400 Blanco Road, Suite 130 CSD of Texas – Waco El Paso, Texas 79935 San Antonio, Texas 78216-4360 Richland Office, 6001 West Waco Drive, Suite B Voice/TTY: (915) 779-2080 Voice/TTY: (210) 349-3332 Waco, Texas 76710 Toll Free: (866) 793-1076 • Fax: (866) 294-1444 Fax: (210) 349-3272 Voice/Fax: (254) 732-5126
The mission of CSD is to provide greater opportunities for access, independence and awareness for all individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Through global leadership and a continuum of quality communication services and human service programs, CSD provides the tools conducive to a positive and fully integrated life. 31 Summer 2012 32
A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Experience the
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Copyright © 2012 Sorenson Communications. All rights reserved. ntouch and respective branding property of Sorenson Communications. Any other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. 33 Summer 2012
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A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication Texas Association of the Deaf Membership Application Form P.O. Box 1982, Manchaca, Texas 78652 Established in 1886
PLEASE PRINT OUT THIS FORM AND FILL OUT OR FILL OUT AND EMAIL TO US OR GO ONLINE TO DEAFTEXAS.ORG TO JOIN
Today’s Date: ______Full Name: Organization/Department: Address: City: State: Zip/Postal Code: TTY Phone: Voice Phone: FAX Phone:
E-mail computer address: (No pager address, please.) Total paid: $ Check which is applicable: Active Members: $20.00 for two years – Any person, 18 years old and up, who is a resident of the State of Texas* Associate Member: $15.00 for two years – Any person, 18 years old and up, who is a non-resident of the State of Texas* Retired Member: $15.00 for two years – Any Texas resident who is 55 years of age or older*
Membership term lasts 2 years from date of sign-up.
Payable to: Texas Association of the Deaf P.O. Box 1982 Manchaca, Texas 78652
TAD is a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.
A returned check fee of $30.00 will be charged to defray bank-processing fees Thank you for your support of TAD!
For questions about TAD membership, Contact Membership Chair, [email protected] Website address: deaftexas.org Revised: Aug. 22, 2011 35 Summer 2012 Check Payable to: Texas Association of the Deaf
Mail Check to: Tim Jaech, Editor TDT Revised February 20, 2012 8801 La Cresada Dr. #414 Austin, TX 78749
www.rangerpress.org 36
A Texas Association of the Deaf Publication